Founding Principal

Joshua Baum is the Founding Principal of Hilgard Economics, an economic research and consulting firm specializing in housing, economic development, labor markets, and regional economic analysis. An urban economist and planner by training, they lead the firm’s work helping public agencies, businesses, and community organizations understand economic trends, evaluate opportunities, and make informed strategic decisions.

Since founding Hilgard in 2020, Baum has built a practice focused on translating complex economic and market data into clear, actionable insights. Their cross-sector background spans consulting, economic development, government, and labor, with prior roles at Beacon Economics, the City of Fort Worth’s Economic Development Department, and the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

Baum currently also serves as a Research Associate at SEIU Local 721, where they conduct economic, fiscal, workforce, and policy analysis for one of the nation’s largest public-sector unions. Their work examines local government finances, labor markets, housing costs, workforce trends, and the broader economic conditions affecting public agencies and their employees.

Throughout their career, Baum has developed expertise at the intersection of regional economics, real estate, housing, workforce development, and public policy. They are frequently called upon by journalists and civic leaders for data-driven perspectives on the Los Angeles economy, housing market, and regional growth.

Baum’s work and analysis have been cited or featured in Bloomberg News, the Los Angeles Times, Urbanize LA, The Real Deal, California Planning & Development Report, and the Los Angeles Daily News. Research produced by Hilgard has also contributed to policy discussions involving the California State Legislature, Los Angeles City Council, and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

A Double Bruin, Baum holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from UCLA. Their work combines economics, planning, and market analysis to help organizations understand changing communities, identify opportunities and navigate the economic forces shaping cities and regions.